Is Bollywood still a man’s world? Manoj Bajpayee says the answer is not that simple. In a recent chat, the actor said actresses have been carrying films as heroes for a long time. He also named two stars who, in his view, led the way: Vidya Balan and Kajol.
⚡ Quick Summary
- Manoj Bajpayee says women-led films are not new. They have been coming for years.
- He named Vidya Balan and Kajol as prime examples of leading heroes.
- He says OTT is making these stories more common because the financial risk is lower.
- He also pointed out that OTT is giving long-overdue respect to male actors whom mainstream cinema underutilised.
- His latest film, Gajab Raat, is currently streaming on Netflix.
What Did Manoj Bajpayee Say?
The conversation revolved around a recurring question: Is the big screen still ruled exclusively by men? And will actresses need a lot more time before audiences accept them as the main lead, the way they accept male stars?
Manoj does not think the shift is just starting. He feels it has been happening slowly, but surely. Here is what he said:
“The heroine has been coming as a hero for a long time. I remember so many films of Vidya Balan. I remember Kajol’s movies too. It is taking its time, but it’s happening. What is good that is happening. And it has been happening for a long time, right?”
Why Does He Think OTT Is Helping?
According to Manoj, OTT platforms are a major reason why women-led stories now appear much more frequently. Producing a film for traditional theatres requires heavy capital investment and carries immense commercial risk. On OTT, that pressure is mitigated, allowing filmmakers to experiment with daring narratives:
“And with OTT, it’s happening more frequently because the stake is not that high.”
That is how he explained the industry's changing economics.
OTT Is Good for Male Actors Too
Manoj did not stop at actresses. He highlighted that OTT platforms have simultaneously provided a lifeline to character actors and versatile male performers who were routinely sidelined by mainstream Bollywood box-office formulas:
“Look at the actors who could not even get rightly consumed earlier. Male actors could not even get consumed by mainstream cinema. They are getting so much respect on OTT.”
He further elaborated on their career stability: “And their lifestyle is maintained. They are finding some kind of comfort in their life because of all those roles that they have been getting.”
Why Did He Pick Vidya Balan and Kajol?
Both actresses have built substantial filmographies centered around fierce, independent, and commanding female leads that changed industry paradigms.
Vidya Balan is celebrated for trailblazing cinema including:
- The Dirty Picture
- Kahaani
- No One Killed Jessica
- Tumhari Sulu
- Sherni
Kajol has headlined films and web shows with deep, layered female protagonists such as:
- Dushman
- Helicopter Eela
- The Trial
- The Good Wife
What Does Vidya Balan Think?
Vidya has addressed this evolving landscape on multiple occasions. In 2024, she observed: “Female-led cinema is still in its nascent stage.” However, she also noted that over the past 15 to 16 years, the volume and acceptance of women-led stories has risen significantly. Both Manoj and Vidya agree that while momentum is undeniable, the film industry still has significant ground to cover toward true equity.
What Is Manoj Bajpayee Doing Now?
Manoj was last seen headlining Gajab Raat, a gripping suspense thriller co-starring Divya Dutta and helmed by director Ritesh Shah. The critically-praised project premiered on Netflix on October 23.
Our Take
It is refreshing to witness an acclaimed veteran actor articulate what discerning audiences have known for years: women have shouldered Bollywood narratives with exceptional box-office and critical power, and commercial producers are only now formalising that reality. For admirers of Vidya Balan and Kajol, Manoj's recognition is a testament to their enduring legacy. For streaming audiences, it confirms that digital storytelling is fundamentally reshaping who gets to be the hero.
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